我們的祖先:彭桂、彭祿、彭全。

彭氏宗族是香港新界五大宗族之一,與鄧、文、侯及廖氏宗族齊名。彭氏宗族在該地區的歷史已有七百多年,這段歷史充滿了遷徙、定居和文化傳承的故事。

彭氏宗族的祖籍可追溯至中國江西宜春。在元朝末年,由彭桂帶領,宗族向南遷徙,最終於約1190年定居於龍山地區,即今日的粉嶺龍躍頭。至1220年,他們建立了粉嶺樓村。隨著宗族人口的增長,他們向西擴展,建立了粉嶺圍及其他聚落。

粉嶺圍建於明朝萬曆初年(1572–1620),成為彭氏宗族的主要聚居地。「圍」字表示圍村,反映了中國傳統建築中防禦性聚落的設計理念。粉嶺圍包括主圍村(稱為中圍或正圍)及其兩個擴展部分:北圍和南圍。

The layout of Fanling Wai is emblematic of traditional Chinese walled villages, featuring a central axis with village houses aligned symmetrically on either side. Notable features include a distinctive entrance gate-tower adorned with circular gun holes, as well as watchtowers and cannons that underscore the village’s historical emphasis on defence. The village pond and meticulous design elements highlight the Pang Clan’s adherence to feng shui principles.

宗族文化生活的核心是位於粉嶺北圍的彭氏宗祠,又稱大德堂。該宗祠於1846年為配合風水搬遷至現址,並於1884年重建。宗祠是進行祭祖及舉行社區聚會的場所,其精緻的雕刻、木刻、灰塑及壁畫展現了卓越的工藝水平,體現了宗族對祖先的敬重。

The Pang Clan places a strong emphasis on ancestral worship and the preservation of traditional rituals. During the annual spring festival, clan members convene at the ancestral hall to conduct sacrificial ceremonies honouring their forebears. These practices underscore the clan’s deep-rooted respect for lineage and heritage.

此外,彭氏宗族還參與太平洪朝祭典,此乃每十年舉行一次的道教節日,以感謝和平與繁榮。為期三天的慶典包括祭品、巡遊及表演等各種儀式,體現了宗族對文化傳統延續的承諾。

Historically, the Pang Clan has been instrumental in the development of the New Territories. In the late 1940s, they collaborated with neighbouring villages to establish Luen Wo Hui, a market town designed to rival the Tang Clan’s Shek Wu Hui. This initiative not only bolstered the local economy but also fostered a sense of community among the villages.

Today, the Pang Clan continues to honour its heritage while engaging with contemporary society. Efforts to preserve historical structures, such as the Pang Ancestral Hall and the traditional layout of Fanling Wai, are complemented by initiatives to educate younger generations about their lineage. The clan’s commitment to maintaining cultural practices ensures that their rich history remains a vibrant part of Hong Kong’s diverse tapestry.

In essence, the Pang Clan’s enduring legacy in Hong Kong is characterised by a profound respect for ancestry, a dedication to cultural preservation, and a proactive role in the socio-economic development of the New Territories.

粉嶺圍是一個位於香港北區粉嶺的歷史圍村。該村由彭氏宗族於明朝萬曆初年(1572–1620)建成,見證了宗族的豐富歷史以及當時的建築風格。

彭氏宗族於南宋(1127–1279)時期開始遷徙至該地區。他們最初定居於龍山,即今日的龍躍頭,後於1220年遷至粉嶺樓。隨著宗族人口的增長,他們建立了粉嶺圍及其他鄰近聚落。

Fanling Wai comprises a central walled village, known as Ching Wai or Chung Wai (‘central hamlet’), and its two extensions: Pak Wai (‘north hamlet’) and Nam Wai (‘south hamlet’). The village’s design reflects traditional Chinese defensive architecture, featuring an entrance gate-tower with circular gun holes and watchtowers. A notable feature is the village pond. During the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong (1941–1945), the village’s cannons were buried to prevent their capture and were only excavated in 1986. Today, they are displayed on a cement platform in front of the walled settlement.

Central to the village is the Pang Ancestral Hall, also known as Tai Tak Tong, located in Fanling Pak Wai. Moved to its current site in 1846 for feng shui reasons and rebuilt in 1884, the hall serves as a venue for ancestral worship and community gatherings. Another significant structure is the Tsz Tak Study Hall in Fanling Nam Wai, built in 1846 to provide education for village children. In 1936, it housed the government-subsidised Fanling Public School until 1957, when a separate school complex was constructed nearby. The hall also serves as a place for ancestral worship of the Sze-yan lineage.

此外,彭氏宗族修建了三聖廟,供奉北帝、關帝及文昌三位神明。該廟最初位於其他地方,後於1948年遷至嶺山以西,近賽馬會道的現址。

Recognising its historical and cultural value, several structures within Fanling Wai have been designated as historic buildings. The entrance gate-tower, along with the southwest and northwest watchtowers of Fanling Chung Wai, are classified as Grade III historic buildings. The Pang Ancestral Hall holds a Grade I status, while the Tsz Tak Study Hall and the Sam Shing Temple are listed as Grade II and Grade III historic buildings, respectively.

今天,粉嶺圍作為一個重要的文化地標,展現了彭氏宗族的歷史以及香港圍村的歷史故事。

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